Costa to banish spitting image

VALENCIA JUVENTUS

JUVENTUS coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed Douglas Costa will be included in his plans for tonight’s Champions League clash in Valencia.

Costa has been banned for four matches by the Italian Football Federation after a red card for spitting in rival Federico Di Francesco’s face last Sunday.

He had also butted Di Francesco and hit him with his elbow yet, to the dismay of many, Allegri has included him in his squad.

“He’s apologised, he’ll pay with a four-match ban and he’ll show with fair play on the pitch that this was an isolated incident,” said Allegri.

“I’ll decide whether to play him or put him on the bench, but it will be a technical choice.

“I’m disappointed because it wasn’t a good example for those who saw it, but he was the first to be disappointed at the end.”

Allegri added: “It damaged us as a squad, it shocked us because he did something that was totally out of character. Just look at his career, he wouldn’t hurt a fly.

“He surprised everyone, even himself. I’m very disappointed.”

Juve’s Champions League campaign last season ended in quarter-final agony.

They fought back from a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Real Madrid to level the tie in the return at the Bernabeu Stadium, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to convert a penalty deep in stoppage-time for the Spaniards.

Ronaldo will now line up for Juventus.

“We have often faced Cristiano, we must not be afraid,” said Valencia coach Marcelino.

“And his presence will not change our attitude, we will think about a collective performance and if we can limit him it we will obviously be closer to victory.”

Ronaldo scored his first Serie A goals with a double last Sunday.